Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), a 20-year-old, nationally recognized program that helps people with Parkinson’s disease slow the progression of their symptoms, has been available in communities nationwide, but not in Greater Hartford west of the river — until the Mandell Jewish Community Center (JCC) launched it in 2025.

When Donor Advised Fund holders found out about the program, they responded with their generosity. Grants from Debbie and Steve Kleinman, in memory of Benjamin Kleinman, and the Gail and Jeff Adler Family Charitable Fund, are now funding RSB classes that allow participants to find strength, camaraderie, and confidence.

“Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease can feel isolating and scary,” explained Lindsey Brush, RSB Head Coach at the Mandell JCC. “When our boxers are in class together, there is a team community feeling that everyone is facing similar challenges. I’ve watched boxers walk in the door dragging, feeling tired, but after a few minutes in class there’s laughter and a vibrance that appears,” she continued. “They leave class taking this energy with them.”